Course Description
Health products and services and the factors that influence personal choices in the health marketplace. Includes a discussion of the philosophy, theory, and practice of self-care and health activism.
Athena Title
HEALTH CONSUMERISM
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Describe the current delivery system in the United States for health/medical services and products. Demonstrate an understanding about the philosophy and need for personal responsibility in health maintenance and promotion. Explain the rationale and basic processes in self-care. List and discuss predisposing, enabling and reinforcing factors that can influence choice and use of health/medical products and services. List the primary protective and regulatory agencies for health/medical products and services and discuss how they are of direct and indirect service to the public. Describe the various health/medical-care specialties to include training required and extent of expertise. Demonstrate an understanding of alternative health servces/specialties by explaining pros and cons of choosing a specialist in other than conventional medical practice. Explain criteria for selection and utilization of the most commonly used health products. Discuss the primary issues in choosing over-the-counter and/or prescription drugs. Analyze health/medical advertising and distinguish between gimmicks or fads and legitimate health/medical services and/or products. Examine and discuss the economic implication of prevention and health promotion in relation to treatment. Describe the various methods of financing health promotion and medical care. Explain the theory and process of self-care and the application of self-management strategies to that process.
Topical Outline
Introduction to Health Consumerism Theories of Health and Disease Economics of Treatment and Prevention Health and Illness Behavior Health Fact and Fiction Quackery and Consumer Protection New Drug Development, Marketing and Advertising Issues in Self-Care Choosing Health Services Choosing Health Products Nutrition and Weight Control Health/Illness Insurance Wills, Living Wills, Health Power of Attorney